DEPARTMENT OF ANESTHESIOLOGY

Anesthesiology is the practice of delivering anesthesia to patients during medical procedures. Anesthesiologists are trained physicians who have attended medical school followed by four years of residency training in anesthesiology. Anesthesia is used in many medical procedures and is utilized by virtually every surgical sub-specialty. There are many factors that contribute to the type of anesthesia used during a procedure including drug allergies, diabetes, heart disease, breathing problems, obesity, lung disease, and kidney disease. Anesthesiologists play a vital role in insuring a successful surgical outcome as well as overall patient satisfaction in any surgical procedure.

The Department of Anesthesiology at La Peer Health Systems is solely focused on the health of the patient, preparation for surgery, a successful surgery, and managing their patient’s post-surgical pain. Prior to surgery, our anesthesiologists meet with patients to understand the medical history of the patient and decide on the best course of action. The safest, most appropriate anesthetic will be tailored to individual patient needs, with consideration given to patient preference. Following in the spirit of collaboration, the final anesthetic plan will be formulated with the consensus of the patient, anesthesiologist, and surgeon. We believe that it is imperative that the patient is informed and understands their treatment plan.

La Peer Health Systems uses different anesthetic techniques based on each individual including:

General anesthesia

Regional anesthesia

Local anesthesia

Mild to deep sedation

Our anesthesia staff is wholly comprised of board-certified physicians with many years of experience in anesthesiology. Our anesthesiologists continue to regularly practice and hone their skills at a large tertiary care hospital in Los Angeles.

La Peer Health Systems was also named one of the 100 Greatest Places To Work by Becker’s ASC Review. The list is compiled through nominations and editorial research and places are chosen based on benefits, wellness initiatives, development opportunities, and overall work environment.

If you have, or feel you may have, an important circumstance or condition that could affect your anesthetic experience before, during, or after surgery, an anesthesiologist will be more than happy to do a consultation with either you or your doctors. Please call us if you would like to set up an appointment at (855) 360-9119 or send us an e-mail at info@lapeerhealth.com.

TYPES OF ANESTHESIA

There are several ways anesthesia is administered depending on the procedure. For example, epidurals are often used during childbirth where the person is conscious, but no pain is experienced, whereas, during a surgical procedure the patient is fully sedated and not conscious.

General Anesthesia: General anesthesia is when you are fully sedated and the pain is blocked. It is administered intravenously or through a gas. It is common to not remember the period right after the surgery. This is to lessen the sensation of post-operative pain.

Regional Anesthesia: There are a few types of regional anesthesia: epidural or spinal anesthesia and nerve blocks. A regional anesthesia is when the drug is injected into major nerves to numb a large part of the body. It can be injected into the spine to numb all feeling in the legs, hips, back, etc. You may be awake with this type of anesthesia, but sedation may be given to help you relax or sleep.

Local Anesthesia: A local anesthesia is where a numbing agent is injected into a specific part of the body. These are typically used for minor procedures, such as stitches or mole removal. You typically remain awake during a procedure with a local anesthesia.

Mild sedation: Mild sedation is medication used to help one relax during a procedure. This is often used with local anesthesia. You will still be able to talk and hold a conversation, but with a relaxed feeling. An example of when a mild sedation may be used is during a mole removal or stitches.

Moderate sedation: A moderate sedation is used to help you relax and puts you into a semiconscious state. It is normally used in minor or diagnostic procedures. They can also be used if you are receiving a test like an MRI or CAT scan.

Deep sedation: Deep sedation is used to make patients relax and very sleepy. It is often used along with general anesthesia. Deep sedation may be used after a procedure to help with post-operative pain, and to help you relax and recover. Deep sedation is also often used for procedures such as biopsies or a colonoscopy.

If you have any questions about the types of anesthesia, please contact the Department of Anesthesia at (855) 360-9119 or contact us.

Twilight Anesthesia Offered at La Peer Health Systems

Many of La Peer’s patients wonder why they can’t eat or drink anything hours before receiving anesthesia and going into surgery. The reason your doctor tells you not to eat or drink anything before surgery is to prevent….. read more »

Doctors

Lin Qin, MD Li Qin, MD is a board-certified anesthesiologist. He immigrated from China to California at age of
16, earned his bachelor’s degree in molecular and cell biology in 1998 from UC Berkeley read more

Calvin Johnson, MD Dr. Calvin Johnson is an expert anesthesiologist and an integral part of the team at La Peer Health Systems in Beverly Hills. Dr. Johnson is one of the very best in his field read moreDavid Choi, MD David Choi, MD comes to La Peer Health Systems in Beverly Hills as an expert board certified anesthesiologist. read moreDaniel Loder, MD Daniel P. Loder, MD is a board-certified anesthesiologist and an integral part of the team at La Peer Health Systems. read more

Reviews

I had a great experience at the La Peer Surgicenter. The center is very new, nice and clean. Everyone was very kind, professional and accomodating. I was informed of the billing prior to the procedure. The billing was exactly as expected. I really can not think of a way for them to improve the quality Continue Reading

March 9, 2016

I had several procedures at La Peer. Each time my expectations from the previous experiences have been even better. From the admission to discharge La Peer is one of the best providers I have used.

March 9, 2016

My husband and I both had our colonoscopys here and had a very good experience. The staff was very friendly, and greeted us with smiles and a positive energy. My OR staff and anesthesiologist were wonderful. They made us feel safe and comfortable. We woke up easily with no nausea or vomiting, and was offered Continue Reading

December 1, 2015

“Fantastic facility with wonderful customer service – I felt I was in the best place for my procedure. Once waiting for the procedure, all the nurses really worried about how I was and if I was comfortable. My doctor was running a little late so the nurses called my husband to tell him to arrive Continue Reading

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